Federal Minister for Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi chaired the 6th Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the ECO Science Foundation (ECOSF) in Islamabad. The meeting was attended by Hossein Simaei Sarraf, Minister of Science, Research and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran; Federal Secretary for Science and Technology Shahid Iqbal Baloch; ECO Secretary General Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan; President of the ECO Science Foundation Prof. Seyed Komail Tayebi; Executive Director Ghulam Muhammad Memon; senior government officials; and distinguished delegates from ECO Member States participating both physically and virtually.
Welcoming the distinguished delegates attending the meeting in Islamabad, as well as participants joining virtually from across the ECO region, Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi said Pakistan is honoured to host the 6th Meeting of the Board of Trustees of the ECO Science Foundation. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering commitment to supporting ECOSF as a regional platform for scientific excellence, innovation, knowledge exchange and capacity building. The Federal Minister noted that the meeting reflected the shared resolve of ECO Member States to strengthen regional scientific cooperation and advance science, technology and innovation as key drivers of sustainable development and economic prosperity across the region.
The Federal Minister observed that the ECO region possesses enormous potential, including a young population, rich natural resources, strong academic traditions and growing technological capabilities. However, he said the region also faces common challenges such as climate change, water and food insecurity, energy transition, public health concerns, digital inequality and youth unemployment, which require collective regional action rather than isolated national efforts.
Highlighting the pivotal role of science, technology and innovation in achieving sustainable development, the Minister said investments in scientific research, STEM education, innovation ecosystems and emerging technologies are essential for enhancing economic competitiveness, industrial productivity and long-term prosperity across the ECO region.
The Federal Minister appreciated the ECO Science Foundation for its valuable contributions to promoting scientific cooperation through capacity-building programmes, STEM education, scientific networking, technical advisory services and regional partnerships. He also acknowledged the efforts of the ECOSF leadership and Secretariat in advancing the Foundation’s objectives despite institutional and financial constraints.
Addressing the meeting, Hossein Simaei Sarraf, Minister of Science, Research and Technology of the Islamic Republic of Iran, highlighted the importance of strengthening scientific collaboration among ECO Member States and noted that enhanced cooperation in science, technology and innovation would contribute to the region’s sustainable development and shared prosperity. Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to the ECO Science Foundation, he stated that Iran would contribute its share towards addressing the Foundation’s financial challenges and work closely with other Member States to strengthen the organization and ensure its long-term financial sustainability.
Calling for greater ownership by all ECO Member States, Khalid Hussain Magsi urged countries that have yet to ratify the ECOSF Charter and its Additional Protocol to complete their national procedures at the earliest. He further emphasized the importance of timely financial contributions by ratifying Member States to ensure the Foundation’s long-term sustainability and enable it to implement impactful regional initiatives in science, technology and innovation.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s unwavering commitment as the host country of ECOSF, Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi encouraged the Foundation to continue developing demand-driven and outcome-oriented programmes that effectively address the priorities of Member States and further strengthen regional scientific collaboration.
Concluding his address, Federal Minister Khalid Hussain Magsi expressed confidence that a revitalized ECOSF would serve as a catalyst for scientific cooperation, innovation and sustainable economic development across the ECO region. He wished the meeting every success and expressed hope that its deliberations would pave the way for a stronger, more dynamic and impactful ECO Science Foundation for the benefit of all Member States.
